(Full time) 2022 start
Arts and Humanities with Foundation Year BA

Coronavirus information for applicants and offer holders
We hope that by the time you’re ready to start your studies with us the situation with COVID-19 will have eased. However, please be aware, we will continue to review our courses and other elements of the student experience in response to COVID-19 and we may need to adapt our provision to ensure students remain safe. For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19, regularly visit our website, which we will continue to update as the situation changes www.leeds.ac.uk/covid19faqs
Overview
If you would like to study arts, humanities and cultures at university, but don’t currently meet the typical entry requirements for direct entry to a degree, then this extended degree is for you (subject to meeting our additional entry criteria).
The foundation year provides a supportive environment where you can make the transition to university study and gain the academic knowledge and study skills you'll need to succeed.
You'll develop your understanding of key academic and conceptual approaches used in the arts and humanities and focus on building your critical thinking skills. Study is interdisciplinary, enquiring and creative, focusing on engaging with the world around us and investigating our relationship to history, society and culture.
On successful completion of the foundation year, and subject to meeting the requirements for progression, you’ll continue to year one of your chosen degree course. Recent students went on to study for degrees in journalism, classical civilisation, English, history, cultural and media studies and philosophy.
The foundation year course is designed specifically for students from a widening participation background and therefore does not accept students with previous higher education experience, including other foundation years.
The foundation year is taught by the Lifelong Learning Centre and caters for a wide range of students whether you’re a school leaver continuing your education or a mature learner returning to study.
Lifelong Learning Centre support
The Lifelong Learning Centre provides a supportive environment to help you make the transition to degree-level study. We’ll work with you during your foundation year to provide guidance and help to identify the degree pathway most appropriate for you.
Join us at our information session on Tuesday 15 March at 6pm to learn more about the Arts and Humanities Foundation Year. Find out about eligibility, the range of degrees on offer, support for your studies and more. Book your place.
Course content
The foundation year provides a carefully structured introduction to the arts and humanities, encompassing an introduction to current academic thinking and key methodological approaches. Each core module has a topic or theme as the basis for your development of academic skills. You can also focus on a particular subject by selecting a discovery module from the subject area you wish to progress to.
Modules include opportunities to visit cultural institutions such as archives, museums and galleries, to meet professionals in the field and reflect on how you can build your skills as a researcher in the arts and humanities.
Course structure
The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.
Modules
Year 1
Compulsory modules
- Image, Music and Text 20 credits
- Modernity and Post-Modernity 20 credits
- Religion, Politics and Society 20 credits
- The Renaissance 20 credits
- Communications 20 credits
Discovery modules
Throughout your degree you will benefit from a range of opportunities to expand your intellectual horizons outside or within your subject area.
This course gives you the opportunity to choose from a range of discovery modules. They’re a great way to tailor your study around your interests or career aspirations and help you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Find out more about discovery modules on our Broadening webpages.
Learning and teaching
There is a strong emphasis during the foundation year on helping you to achieve to your full potential. Teaching is imaginative and supportive to make sure that you are intellectually stretched and helped through any sticking points in your learning. Group sizes are small enabling you to engage actively and be well supported by your peers.
On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.
Assessment
Methods of assessment during the foundation year reflect those that you will find later in your degree in order to ensure that you are well prepared for continuing study. Assessment is a key way of enabling students to learn by doing and feedback from tutors supports this process.
Entry requirements, fees and applying
Entry requirements
A-level: CDD
GCSE: English and maths grade C/4 or above, or equivalent.
T Levels will be considered on a case by case basis.
Additional entry criteria
As well as the academic requirements above, you must live permanently in the UK and meet at least one of the following:- Your permanent address is in a neighbourhood with low progression to higher education (we use the OfS postcode checker).
- You attended a school which achieved less than the national average five A*-C / 9-4 passes (including English and Maths) at GCSE or attainment 8 score at GCSE in a state school. We use the All England State funded attainment 8 score, excluding applicants from selective and/or independent schools.
- You grew up in public care.
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Access to HE Diploma
Complete 60 credits with 45 credits at Level 3 of which 30 must be a Merit or above and 15 at Pass.
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BTEC
Merit, Merit, Pass
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Cambridge Pre-U
P1, P2, P3
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International Baccalaureate
24 overall (12 higher)
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Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)
Please contact the Lifelong Learning Foundation Year Admissions Team
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Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers
Please contact the Lifelong Learning Foundation Year Admissions Team.
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Welsh Baccalaureate
Please contact the Lifelong Learning Foundation Year Admissions Team.
Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the Schools Undergraduate Admissions Team.
Alternative entry
Alternative Entry for mature applications
If you are a mature applicant (over 21 at the point of entry) and don't have the required A Levels or GCSE qualifications, you can complete our Alternative Entry Scheme (subject to meeting the eligibility criteria for the scheme). As part of this, you may be asked to take tests in English and maths and to write an essay. Contact the Lifelong Learning Centre for more information.
Additional cost information
There may be a small cost for travel expenses associated with field trips which are part of module study.
How to apply
For guidance on applying to a Lifelong Learning Centre course, visit out admissions guidance page.
Apply to this course through UCAS. The institution code for the University of Leeds is L23. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website. Please mention on your personal statement the subject area you want to progress to.
Your application will be reviewed by the Admissions team. If your application is shortlisted you’ll be invited to a selection day and/or interview to assess your commitment and potential.
If you’re entering through the Alternative Entry Scheme you’ll be sent details after your interview.
If you’re made an offer you’ll be asked to engage with KickStart. This is a pre-entry programme designed to ease your move into studying at the University of Leeds. You’re welcome to contact us for further information.
Admissions policy
Lifelong Learning Centre Admissions Policy 2023
Fees
UK: See fees section below
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2022/23
For UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2022/23 the fee will be £9,250. The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation and as permitted by law. Fees for UK undergraduate students are decided by the government and may vary if policy changes.
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2023/24
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students for 2023/24 have been agreed by the UK Government and will remain at the current fee level of £9,250. The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation and as permitted by law. Fees for UK undergraduate students are decided by the government and may vary if policy changes.
Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2023/24
Tuition fees for international students for 2023/24 should be available on individual course pages from September 2022.
There are no upfront fees to pay. All eligible students are able to borrow the entire cost of tuition fees making study free at the point of entry, with good repayment terms. You are eligible if you are studying for 30+ credits per year on a programme which is at a higher level than any qualification already held. Previous study in Higher Education may affect your eligibility.
Additional cost information
<p>There may be a small cost for travel expenses associated with field trips which are part of module study.</p>There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs.
Financial support
If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.
Depending on your circumstances, non-repayable financial support including a fee discount is available from the Leeds Financial Support scheme.
Career opportunities
On successful completion of the foundation year you could progress onto a range of degree courses in the arts, humanities, performance, visual arts or communications. For more information about specific career opportunities please check the degree course you wish to progress to.
A qualification from the University of Leeds counts: our graduates are highly valued by employers. When you complete your degree programme you will also become part of a network of highly employable graduates. A degree in an arts, humanities and cultures subject allows you to enhance your critical thinking and develop a global and cultural awareness relevant to a range of careers.
Careers support
We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. Thats one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.
Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.
The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.